esme whitman author at My Family Travels
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The Haunted New Jersey Museum Where Paranormal Secrets Refuse To Stay Buried

On Cookman Avenue in the vibrant coastal town of Asbury Park, New Jersey, sits a mysterious destination where the living meet the unexplained and the supernatural refuses to rest...

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The Old-School Restaurants In New Jersey That Locals Guard Like Family Recipes

New Jersey holds a treasure trove of dining spots that have survived the test of time, serving up the same beloved dishes for generations.

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New Jersey Beach Towns That Seem Ordinary But Hide Unexpected Charm

New Jersey's coastline stretches over 130 miles, offering dozens of beach towns that draw millions of visitors every summer. While...

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Oversized New Jersey Thrift Shop Packed With Unbelievable Finds

Walking into 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore at 2661 Morris Ave in Union feels less like entering a secondhand shop and more like stepping into a treasure hunter's playground.

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The Relaxing New Jersey City That Turns Weekend Drives Into Mini Vacations

Sitting along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Lambertville is a charming little city that feels like stepping into a storybook. With a population hovering around...

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The Unique New Jersey Experience Locals Guard With Pride

Tucked away in West Berlin, New Jersey, sits a theme park so wonderfully weird that locals whisper about it like a treasured secret.

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Why Locals Flock To Pine Barrens Towns In New Jersey To Explore Folklore And Legends

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a sprawling million-acre wilderness that stretches across the southern part of the state, and it holds more than just scenic trails and quiet forests.

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Visiting The Final Piece Of Movie Rental History In Oregon

Stepping into the last Blockbuster in Oregon feels like rewinding to a simpler time. Rows of DVDs and VHS tapes line the shelves,...

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9 Texas Fast Food Restaurants To Explore On A Road Trip

Texas is big, bold, and full of flavor - and its fast-food scene is no exception. Beyond the familiar chains, you’ll find...

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Seasonal Scenery And Trails In Colorado To Consider For Your Bucket List

Looking for a trail that feels like stepping into another planet? Paint Mines Interpretive Park delivers with its candy-colored...

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Alabama’s Historic Ironworks Stands As An Industrial Site To Visit

You are about to step into a living chapter of American industry where fire, iron, and grit shaped a city and helped fuel the South.

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Paulina Lake Offers Stunning Views And Outdoor Fun In Oregon’s Volcanic Landscape

You are standing on a pumice shore where cobalt water mirrors a sky so clear it almost hums, and every ripple hints at ancient fire beneath your feet.

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How Returning To The Same Breakfast Spots In Oregon Says More About Your Routines Than You Think

Oregon mornings have a way of pulling people back to their favorite breakfast spots.It’s not just the pancakes or the perfectly brewed coffee; it’s the ritual.Returning...

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Nevada’s Desert Wonder Might Be The Attraction Worth Visiting More Than Once

You roll south of Las Vegas and suddenly the Mojave horizon pops with towering neon boulders that look like a dream you forgot to finish.

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The California Desert Lake That’s Haunting Yet Beautiful

You arrive at the Salton Sea expecting a quiet desert lake, then the wind shifts and everything feels cinematic and strangely beautiful.

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Hidden Coastal Gems In Oregon Worth Visiting In 2026

You are about to discover ten quiet stretches of the Oregon coast that feel custom built for a full reset. These hidden places...

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10 Illinois Bakeries That Turn Into Gingerbread Wonderlands

You love the moment when the first twinkle lights go up and the air smells like sugar and spice, and Illinois turns that feeling into a full season of wonder.

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10 Seasonal Corners Across Wisconsin Offering Christmas Charm

Wisconsin knows how to sparkle when the holidays roll around. From small towns draped in twinkling lights to bustling markets...

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Best Lobster Shacks In Rural Maine With Scenic Coastal Settings

Coastal Maine delivers a special kind of calm that pairs perfectly with a buttery lobster roll and the smell of salt on the breeze.

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Turner Falls Park Welcomes Visitors To Oklahoma’s Tallest Waterfall

Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma, makes day tripping feel like a full vacation with its soaring waterfall, emerald pools, and honeycombed cliffs.

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How To Navigate NY’s Busiest Tourist Spots Without Losing Your Cool

New York moves fast, and you can glide with it when you know a few insider rhythms. I have spent years weaving through the...

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Oklahoma Travel Recap 2025: Where To Go And What’s New

Oklahoma is having a moment in 2025, and you can feel the energy on every block in Oklahoma City. New attractions are opening,...

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Oklahoma’s Historic Boutique Hotels That Still Impress Every Guest

Historic hotels in Oklahoma turn every check in into a story you can feel from the lobby tiles to the skyline views. You get...

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10 California Hotspots With Air Quality Risks You Need To Know

Oh, California! The land of sun-kissed beaches, towering redwoods, and Hollywood dreams. A place where the open road calls,...

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A Cozy Hillside Resort In Utah Perfect For Hot Chocolate And Peaceful Winter Hikes

You want winter peace that still feels alive, and Snowbird knows exactly how to deliver it with quiet trails and steaming mugs that warm cold hands.

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Oklahoma Grocery Stores Known For The Best Meat Departments

Oklahoma’s grocery scene hides a delicious secret in its meat departments. Shoppers know these counters deliver more than...

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The Michigan Mountain Retreat Locals Guard While Travelers Seek Instagram-Worthy Views

You are about to step into a Michigan mountain playground where locals carve their secret lines while visitors chase the perfect panoramic shot from a swaying sky bridge.

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What Visitors To New York Realize Too Late About The City That Never Sleeps

You think New York City moves fast until you try to cross a Midtown avenue at rush hour and realize the rhythm is its own language.

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10 Arizona Dune Parks Worth Exploring This Season

Arizona has a surprising lineup of dunes and sandy playgrounds that deliver big adventure with short travel times. You can...

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Why Small-Town Vermont Villagers Are Irritated By Overcrowded Christmas Fairs

Small-town Vermont sparkles with holiday cheer, but not everyone is feeling festive. Villagers love their cozy Christmas fairs,...

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Florida Grocery Meat Rankings Reveal the Freshest Cuts For Shoppers

You are about to see how Florida grocery counters stack up when it comes to freshness, value, and service that actually helps you cook better.

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Best Winter Villages In New York That Feel Untouched By Time

Winter in New York has a way of turning small villages into storybook scenes that feel wonderfully preserved. You can wander...

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9 Old-Fashioned Holiday Villages In Vermont Perfect For A Winter Getaway

Snow turns Vermont into a postcard scene, and these old-fashioned villages make the season feel timeless. You will find lit...

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New York Villages That Sparkle With Holiday Cheer

New York’s villages transform into dazzling wonderlands when the holiday season arrives. Twinkling lights drape historic...

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10 Illinois Small Towns That Feel Like A Hallmark Holiday Movie

Illinois is filled with charming small towns that look like they were plucked straight from a Hallmark holiday movie. These...

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Michigan’s Amish Meals Beyond The Tourist Gaze

Michigan’s Amish and conservative Mennonite communities form a quiet constellation across the state, and following the aromas of fresh bread, woodsmoke, and slow-simmered soups...

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11 Eerie And Enchanting Small-Towns In Arizona That Aren’t Sedona

Arizona hides dozens of small towns where moonlit streets glow and canyon winds whisper your name. Each one carries a mix...

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Arizona’s Old Mining Town That Became A Colorful Bohemian Escape

Bisbee, Arizona, began as a rugged mining camp carved into the Mule Mountains. Copper once fueled its boom, drawing workers...

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The Minnesota Winter Cabins Serving Amish Classics Locals Love

Minnesota winters bring more than just snow and ice. They bring a craving for hearty, homestyle meals that warm you from the inside out.

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The Secret North Dakota Prairie Village Locals Treat Like Sacred Ground

Tucked away in the heart of Rugby, North Dakota, sits a place where time stands still and history breathes through weathered wooden walls.

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Two-Day Winter Escape In Utah Through Frost-Dusted Desert Lookouts

Utah's desert transforms into a magical wonderland when winter arrives, painting red rock formations with delicate frost and creating views you won't find anywhere else.

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The Hidden Montana Valley Town Locals Want To Keep Frozen In Time

Tucked in a quiet Montana valley, Garnet sits like a time capsule you can actually walk through. Weathered storefronts and...

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10 Utah Red Rock Road Trips Worth Every Mile

Ah, Utah! Land of endless horizons, where red rocks stand like ancient sentinels, whispering secrets of eons past. Whether...

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10 Utah Destinations Perfect For A Digital Detox

Prepare to unplug and find yourself in the heart of Utah's most serene and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you're seeking solitude among towering rock formations or tranquility...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Bakeries In California That Go All Out For The Holidays

California is home to some of the most magical bakeries that transform into winter wonderlands when the holiday season arrives. From...

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The Haunted Sands Resort In New Mexico Where The Ground Shifts Beneath You

Santa Fe holds a special kind of magic, where ancient history meets modern comfort in surprising ways. La Posada de Santa Fe, a historic resort nestled in the heart of New Mexico's...

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The Most Boring City In Ohio Is Quietly Becoming The Next Creative Hub

Dayton, Ohio has long been the punchline of jokes about boring Midwestern cities, but something exciting is happening in this overlooked corner of the state. Once known primarily...

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12 Hole-In-The-Wall Sweet Spots In New Mexico That Feel Magical

New Mexico has always been a place where tradition meets creativity, and nowhere is that more delicious than in its hidden sweet shops. Tucked away in neighborhoods, plazas, and...

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Oklahoma’s Toxic Legacy: The Mining Catastrophe That Created A Ghost Town

Picher, Oklahoma, once buzzed with life as a booming mining town, but today it stands silent and abandoned, a haunting reminder of environmental disaster. For decades, miners dug...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Taverns In Massachusetts Worth Every Bite

Massachusetts may be famous for clam chowder and lobster rolls, but the state has a growing number of hidden BBQ spots that rival anything you'd find down South.

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